Commenting on a new report by UCL’s Institute of Education released today (Thurs 14 Oct), showing that schools are providing food, clothes and basic supplies to children and families in poverty, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT, which represents leaders in the majority of schools, said: “The government’s record on child poverty is shameful.

“Austerity is not just a temporary phase for some families to endure, it is a day to day reality. Parents and carers are not the only ones who worry about poverty. Tragically, children are well aware of their family’s money troubles. Our members tell us that children’s worries leave them unable to learn and enjoy school, and in need of help in the form of food, clothing and basic supplies. They are often embarrassed and ashamed. It’s a situation that sticks in the throat of everyone who has young people’s best interests at heart.

“Rightly, schools are at the centre of the efforts to improve equality of opportunity. But it would be wrong to expect schools to solve the problem on their own. The issues that underpin inequality reach far beyond the school gates and exist throughout the communities that schools serve. Cuts to local authority budgets have greatly reduced the sources of support for families on low incomes. Similarly, schools are less able to access local authority support for pupils and families that need it. Poverty and inequality will remain entrenched in the UK unless the government takes urgent action.”